Sequoia Kings Canyon Getaways

Sequoia is the second-oldest national park in the United States. It was established in 1890 to protect the Big Trees in Giant Forest, including the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest living thing. Sequoia also contains the Mineral King Valley and Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the U.S. outside of Alaska.

A small portion of what is now Kings Canyon was originally set aside in 1890 as General Grant National Park. In 1940, General Grant was absorbed into the new and larger Kings Canyon National Park which eventually grew to include the South Fork of the Kings River and 456,552 acres of backcountry wilderness. Managed as one park, together Sequoia and Kings Canyon total over 863,700 acres.

Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park provides many opportunities for the nature lover to explore and learn about its varied terrain. The Ash Mountain and Grant Grove visitor centers are open all year. The Cedar Grove Visitor Center, located at the bottom of the Kings Canyon, is open between late May and September. The Lodgepole Visitor Center is open daily from April to early November, and on weekends during the snowy season. The Mineral King Visitor Center is open June to Labor Day. Roadside exhibits along the Generals Highway and Highway 180 interpret the natural and human history of the Sierra. Together, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks contain 140 miles of roads and 800 miles of trails.

Ranger-led walks, talks and evening programs are offered primarily during the summer, but some are offered throughout the year. During the summer, concessioner-operated bus tours and horseback rides are also available.